Church launches Operation Christmas Child

Galva FIrst United Methodist Church collecting gifts for children around the world

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Star Courier - Kewanee, IL

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Posted Oct. 11, 2013 at 12:00 PM

Posted Oct. 11, 2013 at 12:00 PM

Galva

Galva area residents are invited to brighten the Christmas of children worldwide and share the message of Jesus Christ at the same time through Operation Christmas Child.

The program, a non-denominational ministry, sends shoe boxes of gift items to children around the world. The program is an outreach of Samaritan’s Purse, led by evangelist Franklin Graham.

Each year, persons around the world pack shoe boxes with gifts for children ages 2 to 14 which are then shipped to central warehouse centers. At these centers the story of Jesus Christ is added, printed in the language of those who receive them. Persons in the area receiving the shoe boxes are trained to teach the story to the children.

Local residents can help provide individual items for the boxes and drop them off by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The collection site is Galva First United Methodist Church, 214 NW 2nd Ave. Hours for dropping off items are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. Donors should stop at the office building to have the church building opened.

All items must be new.

Items that go into every shoe box include the choice of spiral notebook, coloring book or activity book; pens; pencils; choice of crayons, markers or colored pencils; erasers; washcloth; bar of soap; toothbrush; toothpaste; comb or brush.

Financial donations are used to pay the cost of shipping and for the salvation story. The cost of these items average $7 per shoe box. Checks or cash are accepted at the church.

Donations of time are also needed. Residents of the community is invited to come for any length on time on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 3 to 7 p.m. to help sort donations, unwrap the packaging on items and count items. Workers who need to help while seated are much appreciated.

On Saturday, Nov. 9 work will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until the items are all in completed shoe boxes.

Unacceptable are used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, military figures or anything decorated in camouflage patterns; chocolate; liquids or lotions; nail clippers, files and emery boards; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers.

Families who want to do complete shoe boxes are encouraged to go to the Samaritan’s Purse website for information at www.samaritanspurse.org.

Completed boxes should also be delivered by noon on Nov. 6.

For more information or to ask questions, contact the First United Methodist Church office at (309) 932-2460.